Cricket - England opt for all-seam attack

England opted for an all-seam attack for the opening one-day international against Australia in Melbourne.

Steven Finn again missed out for the opening one-day international against Australia in Melbourne.

Tim Bresnan was easily the most experienced of a four-pronged attack that also included Boyd Rankin, Chris Jordan and all-rounder Ben Stokes - all of whom have played no more than 10 ODIs for England.

Bresnan has played 76 ODIs.

Joe Root's part-time spin was the only viable slow option with Ravi Bopara likely to share the duties as fifth bowler.

England, looking for their first competitive win of the tour, were left to field an inexperienced attack following a decision to rest Stuart Broad for the first two games while James Anderson has returned home for his scheduled break.

There was also no place for Steven Finn, who was the only England quick who did not play in the Ashes.

Australia captain Michael Clarke named his starting XI yesterday, with James Pattinson and Shaun Marsh the players to miss out, while Ashes man of the series Mitchell Johnson was rested.

England captain Alastair Cook won the toss and elected to bat under cloudless skies.